Ellie Rowsell of Wolf Alice Features on Harry Styles’ New Single 'Aperture'

Ellie Rowsell lends her backing vocals to Harry Styles’ fresh single ‘Aperture’, marking their first official studio collaboration.

A Surprising Collaboration Lights Up ‘Aperture’

As a longtime fan of both Wolf Alice and Harry Styles, I was genuinely thrilled to learn that Ellie Rowsell, the dynamic frontwoman of Wolf Alice, has been credited as a backing vocalist on Harry Styles’ latest single, ‘Aperture’. This track, which dropped on January 22, 2026, is the lead single from Styles’ eagerly awaited fourth solo album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.

Harry Styles on stage, captivating the crowd with his new sound

Having followed Ellie’s ethereal voice with Wolf Alice and Harry’s ever-evolving artistry since his One Direction days, seeing their talents merge is a delightful treat for fans of both worlds. If you peek at the song’s credits on Spotify, Ellie’s name proudly appears, confirming her contribution to the backing vocals—a subtle but powerful addition to the atmosphere of the track.

From Stage Duets to Studio Magic

This studio partnership isn’t out of the blue. Back in the summer of 2022, Wolf Alice supported Harry Styles during his European tour. I vividly recall the buzz when Ellie joined him on stage in Lisbon for a heartfelt duet of Wolf Alice’s 2021 single ‘No Hard Feelings’. It was a magical moment, blending their voices live in a way that felt both spontaneous and perfectly in sync.

Check out these videos capturing those electric moments:

• Harry Styles - Aperture (Official Video)
• Wolf Alice & Harry Styles live duet of ‘No Hard Feelings’ at Altice Arena
• Harry Styles and Ellie Rowsell singing together

Ellie reflected on that experience, calling it “great” and fondly remembering how, despite little rehearsal time, the performance stuck with her as an unforgettable highlight. “I loved being on stage with Harry and his band. It was the last day of the tour and it felt like a really nice day,” she said. These shared moments surely laid the groundwork for their studio collaboration.

‘Aperture’: A New Sonic Chapter for Styles

If you’ve been following Harry’s musical journey, ‘Aperture’ marks an intriguing shift. Gone are the retro pop-rock vibes of Harry’s House or the sweeping ballads like Sign of the Times. Instead, Styles ventures into electronic territory, layering euphoric house piano stabs, distorted fuzz textures, and a pulsating beat that carries the song forward.

Critics have noted this evolution, describing the track as almost reminiscent of Styles fronting LCD Soundsystem, blending dance music with his signature vocal warmth. He’s openly cited James Murphy and the band as a source of inspiration, aiming to capture the electrifying feeling of being live on stage with that sort of energy.

“I think the inspiration from them [LCD Soundsystem] was, 'Oh, that’s how I want to feel when I’m on stage.’ And then that kind of led to the kind of music I was making.”
— Harry Styles

That fresh vibe might surprise some, but it’s a testament to Styles’ constant reinvention and deepening love for his craft. After taking a three-year break post-Harry’s House, he shared how he needed to “fall in love with music all over again.” Clearly, that love has borne some fascinating fruit.

Touring the World with New Tunes

To accompany this new album, Styles has announced an ambitious ‘Together, Together’ residency tour. It’s a globe-spanning event with six nights at London’s legendary Wembley Stadium and a whopping 30 shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Plus, performances are slated across Amsterdam, São Paulo, Mexico City, Melbourne, and Sydney.

For fans, this means a chance to experience ‘Aperture’ and other new material live — undoubtedly complemented by the infectious energy that Styles and his collaborators, including Ellie Rowsell, bring to the stage.

The Exciting Fusion of Two Unique Voices

This collaboration highlights how artists from different worlds can come together and create something fresh and exciting. Ellie Rowsell’s distinctive voice adds a beautiful texture to ‘Aperture’, enriching Harry Styles’ evolving soundscape.

It feels like just the beginning—who knows what else this powerful pairing might conjure up in future projects? For now, we can savor the sonic bliss of ‘Aperture’ and look forward to the full album when it drops on March 6.

FAQ

• What role does Ellie Rowsell play on Harry Styles’ ‘Aperture’?
  Ellie Rowsell contributes backing vocals, adding depth and harmony to the track.
• Have Harry Styles and Ellie Rowsell performed together before?
  Yes, notably during a 2022 European tour where Ellie joined Harry on stage in Lisbon for a live duet of Wolf Alice’s ‘No Hard Feelings’.
• When is Harry Styles’ album Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally releasing?
  The album is scheduled for release on March 6, 2026.
• What musical direction does ‘Aperture’ take compared to Harry Styles’ previous work?
  ‘Aperture’ explores electronic and house music influences, with a pulse-driven beat and house piano elements, marking a departure from his earlier pop-rock and ballad styles.
• Will Harry Styles be touring to support this album?
  Yes, he announced the ‘Together, Together’ residency tour featuring multiple dates at Wembley Stadium, Madison Square Garden, and other major cities worldwide.

If you’re as inspired by this collaboration as I am, why not bring a little of that magic home? Shop your favorite album cover posters and celebrate the music moments that move us at Architeg Prints. A perfect way to keep the vibes alive!